While the majority of Colonial Athletic Association programs stopped all athletic activities on Monday due to Hurricane Sandy, the Georgia State Panthers competed in an exhibition contest at the GSU Sports Arena. Last night, the Panthers played host to Life University, but were not very hospitable on the court. The Panthers smacked their Division II opponent during their 85-62 victory.

As Georgia State was only ranked 8th in the conference’s Media Day end of season projections, the club sure looked like they went out last night with something to prove.

While conference staffers and members of the media doubted how efficient the team would be on offense during their last season stand in the CAA, the Panthers showed just how lethal their offense may be this season.

If the Panthers wish to compete in the CAA this season, they will need strong offensive performances from guards Devonta White and RJ Hunter. And, Hunter did just that, Monday, racking up a whopping 30 points in his college debut. White did not play in the exhibition. If junior Rashaad Richardson can contribute as well, a kid who scored 17 points against Life, the Panthers backco8urt will be very well balanced offensively.

Besides their guards, head coach Ron Hunter also saw fantastic contributions from some of his big men. Media members have criticized GSU for their lack of returning players, and the team’s frontcourt has suffered a big gap in losing Eric Buckner. But, last night, Hunter was dealt great efforts by senior center James Vincent, who added 15 points and 6 rebounds to the team’s efforts.

This season, Georgia State is young and inexperienced. But under coach Hunter and with undervalued talent, the Panthers can be poised to surprise many in the CAA.

Jake Fischer is the CAA Correspondent for Rant Sports-NCAA Basketball. Make sure to follow Jake on Twitter @fischsportsline.